Central-leading Tigers beat Twins 6-5 to split DH

DETROIT – Justin Verlander kept the Detroit Tigers on top in the AL Central, pitching eight innings in a 6-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night that salvaged a split of their critical doubleheader.

Detroit increased its division lead to two over Minnesota, which won the day game 3-2 in 10 innings, with two games left in the series and five to go in the regular season.

Verlander (18-9) gave up four runs and eight hits. Fernando Rodney pitched the ninth for his 36th save in 37 chances and was hurt by two poor plays defensively that allowed Minnesota to pull within a run.

Brian Duensing (5-2) gave up five runs over 4 2-3 innings for the Twins, who had a chance to at least tie the game in the eighth and ninth.